Coping With Loss and Tragedy

Two days ago I suffered the loss of my mother.  My children are grown and are a great comfort to me at this time.  Between the shock and the arrangements, I am completely drained.  If I had young children, I don't know where I would get the strength needed to comfort them.  When we are going through loss (death, divorce, illness, homes, jobs, etc.) we may think that our children can put their needs on hold until we feel better.  They actually need you more at this time.  They are feeling the loss too and probably worried and scared.  Take some time out from the grief to just BE with your children.  If they are old enough, explain that grief is a slow process.  Try to keep a normal routine as much as possible.  Compassion, empathy and humor are three things you need to give to each other.  Try to be as positive about life when answering the WHYS.  Kids can't wait for your time, they need it now.  By setting a good example of how you handle your grief, your children will find the strength to handle their own later on in life.   Please let me know if you could use some help with parenting your children through loss and tragedy.